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Sustainable Economic Development & Responsible Organizations Research Center (SEDRORC) |
Social Responsibility
We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable.
Sustainable Development
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Sustainable Development & Corporate Social Responsibility
Currently with the world economic crisis. Organizations globally are confronted with the need to function in a sustainable and responsible manner. Sustainable development and corporate social responsibility are closely related business concepts that have greatly affected corporate governance in the early 21st century. Sustainable development involves the use of environmentally responsible and efficient operational practices that preserve environmental resources crucial to your long-term business success. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, involves balancing corporate citizenship and environmental responsibility to give back to the communities in which you operate.
The issues are multidimensional and complex, and need to be informed by high level research on evolving theoretical and real-life solutions. The has already established research leadership in these areas and is ideally placed to build on the opportunities and partnerships - both locally and internationally. The CEDROC researchers are working on various competitive research grants partnering with industry and other academic institutions that seek to provide leading and cutting edge solutions for more sustainable outcomes. Our key areas of research are:
Growing a Sustainable EconomyThe goal of community sustainability is to establish local economies that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible. Achieving this goal requires participation from all sectors of the community, both to determine community needs and to identify and implement innovative and appropriate solutions. This section presents information from a variety of sources on approaches and techniques used successfully in different communities to develop key aspects of their local economies on a sustainable basis.
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Agriculture and Food Systems
Community efforts can preserve agricultural land, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, support local food producers, and facilitate the production and distribution of locally produced food through farmer's markets and cooperative food buying programs. This section presents examples of whole systems approaches to sustainable agriculture. Urban & Rural Economic Support
It is in the interest of urban and rural residents to work together in mutually supportive ways. In this section are examples of cooperative efforts in land preservation, sustainable agriculture, growth management, appropriate development of rural resources, improved trading and tourism, and development of low-impact regional planning and transportation systems.
Economics and Investment
Residents from all segments of the community can play a role in the future of their local economy. Working together, business and government leaders, local non-profit organizations, and citizen groups can analyze needs and resources and guide the economy. Local financial institutions can invest in sustainable community initiatives.
Small & Medium-Sized Business
Small businesses are sources of employment and providers and consumers of goods and services that sustain the local economy. Their operation should support the local ecology, minimize energy use and waste, and utilize recycled products and materials. Examples are in this section.
Fisheries
Aquatic wildlife play a major role in sustaining healthy marine and freshwater ecosystems. It is therefore important that communities associated with fisheries and aquatic ecosystems responsibly manage these resources. Community participation can provide support for sound management practices and remedial programs, as well as for persons and industries engaged in commercial and recreational fishing.
Forestry and Wood Exploitation
Trees are important for both urban and rural ecosystems. Mature trees maintain desirable microclimates and shelter wildlife. Trees also have economic value as a raw material used in producing paper, buildings, furniture, and other wood products. Examples of communities balancing these environmental and economic considerations are in this section.
Technologyand Innovation
Technological advances in business, health, education, and the environment provide new opportunities for communities. More information products are available, and some may have environmental implications. Communities must be current and guide their economies accordingly. This section provides examples.
Manufacturing and Industry
Economically healthy businesses and industries with minimal environmental impact on communities should be encouraged. Communities should work to attract and support such industries and to reduce or eliminate negative impacts from existing industries.
Economic Development Center
The sustainable economic development focuses on balancing economic goals with environmental limits and social equity concerns. It is a reassessment of economic activity as an integral part of a whole social and ecological system rather than conceiving of it as a solitary function acting in isolation from other aspects of human society and nature. A key goal of sustainable economic development is not to exceed the capacity of the earth to supply resources and raw materials and to process waste products while ensuring that people can meet their needs.
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Sustainable Development & Corporate Social ResponsibilityThe Sustainable Economic Development and Responsible Organization (SEDRORC) is committed to Sustainable Development (SD) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through a balanced approach to economic development, social progress and responsible environmental management.
Sustainable Economic Development
Sustainable Economic Development Solutions was created to provide strategic planning services for communities, chambers of commerce and other organizations interested in growing their local economy. The economic development industry is moving toward a more holistic approach to growth based upon sustainable concepts and social capacity building in addition to traditional economics. Our sustainable approach to economic development strategic planning employs the triple bottom line concept as its underpinning. This incorporates social and environmental concerns in addition to conventional financial considerations.
Sustainable Economic Growth
Sustainable economic growth in communities is no longer an either/or proposition between financial success and preserving environmental resources. Sustainability also doesn’t end with environmental issues, it also must incorporate social values to address the needs of all people in the community. Our purpose is to include consideration of social and environmental impact as co-equal elements of the economic development process, along with classic economic factors. We endeavor to change the way communities think about achieving economic development goals and develop integrated strategies around this approach.
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